Chairshot NFL News Report (7/25/2026): Patrick Mahomes Cleared, Ty Simpson Remains Unsigned

Patrick Mahomes is cleared for camp, Ty Simpson remains unsigned, DeAndre Hopkins explores coaching and the Panthers replace Nic Scourton.

Patrick Mahomes has been fully cleared to participate in Kansas City Chiefs training camp approximately seven months after suffering the knee injury that ended his 2025 season.

Elsewhere, Ty Simpson remains the NFL’s only unsigned first-round selection, DeAndre Hopkins is exploring a possible future in coaching, New England continues negotiating with Gabe Jacas and Carolina officially placed Nic Scourton on injured reserve.

Patrick Mahomes and Rashee Rice Cleared for Camp

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced that Mahomes has received full medical clearance to practice. The quarterback suffered a season-ending ACL injury during Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Chargers.

Mahomes said being ready for training camp was always the first major goal of his rehabilitation. He will now focus on rebuilding his football conditioning and preparing for Kansas City’s Week 1 game against defending AFC West champion Denver.

Reid stopped short of guaranteeing Mahomes will be ready for the regular-season opener, saying the Chiefs will monitor him daily. Wide receiver Rashee Rice was also fully cleared to participate after recovering from his own knee injury.

Practice clearance does not complete Mahomes’ recovery, but it gives him more than a month to adjust to full-speed movement and the repeated physical workload of playing quarterback before the season begins.

Ty Simpson Is the Final Unsigned First-Round Pick

Simpson remains the only unsigned first-round selection from the 2026 NFL Draft as the Rams prepare to open training camp Saturday.

The Rams selected the Alabama quarterback 13th overall as a potential eventual successor to reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. The NFL’s rookie wage scale determines the general financial value of the contract, but payment schedules, guarantees, offset language and other terms remain negotiable.

Simpson participated in Los Angeles’ offseason program without a signed contract, but he cannot simply proceed into training camp indefinitely under the same arrangement. Every missed practice would reduce his opportunity to compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup job and learn Sean McVay’s offense.

DeAndre Hopkins Explores Coaching With Patriots

Hopkins is spending several days around New England’s offensive coaching staff and personnel department to learn more about possible post-playing opportunities.

Mike Vrabel clarified that Hopkins is not visiting the Patriots for a tryout. The free-agent receiver is wearing coaching apparel, participating in meetings and observing how the staff operates behind the scenes.

Hopkins caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns with Baltimore last season. He has said that he still believes he can play, but his work with New England indicates that he has also begun considering what comes next.

The situation does not necessarily mean Hopkins has retired. It does show that he is using his relationship with Vrabel to explore coaching before he is forced to make that transition.

Patriots Still Negotiating With Gabe Jacas

Jacas remains unsigned and has not reported to Patriots training camp. The second-round edge defender is the only member of New England’s draft class absent from the facility.

Vrabel said he has personally spoken with Jacas and remains confident that an agreement will be completed, although he declined to establish a timetable.

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez reported with the rest of New England’s veterans despite ongoing negotiations over a long-term extension. The Patriots exercised his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, and Vrabel expects Gonzalez to participate when practice begins Saturday.

The Patriots have avoided allowing the Gonzalez negotiations to become a holdout. Jacas’ absence is more immediately disruptive because every missed day removes valuable developmental work from a rookie expected to contribute to the pass rush.

Panthers Place Nic Scourton on Injured Reserve

Carolina officially placed Scourton on injured reserve after the second-year outside linebacker tore his ACL during the team’s first training-camp practice.

The Panthers signed Cam Gill to replace Scourton on the roster. Gill previously spent time with Carolina during the 2024 season and has also played for Tampa Bay.

Scourton recorded 47 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble during his rookie season. Carolina expected him to start opposite Jaelan Phillips, making his loss one of the first significant injuries of the 2026 training-camp cycle.

Gill can help fill practice and rotational snaps, but replacing the anticipated second-year development of a former second-round pick will require contributions from several edge defenders.

Will Grier Joins Cowboys Coaching Staff

Grier has joined Dallas as an offensive assistant shortly after retiring from his playing career.

The former quarterback spent portions of two separate stints with the Cowboys and already has experience working with Brian Schottenheimer and Dak Prescott. He will begin his coaching duties when Dallas opens training camp next week.

Grier never developed into a regular NFL starter, but backup quarterbacks often build valuable coaching skills through years of studying game plans, running scout teams and supporting established starters. His familiarity with Dallas should make the transition easier for both sides.

NFL Transactions — July 24, 2026

• Carolina Panthers placed outside linebacker Nic Scourton on injured reserve
• Carolina Panthers signed outside linebacker Cam Gill
• New England Patriots signed tight end Jeremiah Franklin
• New England Patriots placed wide receiver Jimmy Kibble on injured reserve
• Seattle Seahawks signed tight end Nick Vannett
• Seattle Seahawks waived cornerback Tyrone Broden with an injury designation

Kansas City received the best possible training-camp news without receiving a Week 1 guarantee. Mahomes can practice, Rice can practice and the Chiefs can begin installing their offense without constructing everything around substitute players.

The unsigned rookie situations are more avoidable. Simpson and Jacas are not negotiating the enormous rookie contracts that once created prolonged NFL holdouts, but unresolved language still carries consequences once teammates begin practicing.

Hopkins and Grier are also examples of players beginning the transition into coaching from opposite directions. Grier has officially ended his playing career and accepted a position. Hopkins remains available to play but is smart enough to begin investigating his next path before the league makes the decision for him.